Sr Engineer/Sr Engineer II-Gas Compression

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Job Function)

This position serves in a professional role directly supporting pipeline operations in gas compression system architecture, design/engineering review of new or existing equipment, equipment controls philosophy development, program design standardization, field programming and systems trouble shooting, and equipment control system trouble shooting. The position acts as the lead authority in regard to facility engineering/design, gas compression system architecture, equipment protection, controls optimization, and computer control system functionality development. The position s span of responsibilities includes the north half of Northern's pipeline system which stretches across 6 states, from the Nebraska to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Typical Duties

Provide professional engineering, design, technical expertise, and advanced compression operations/maintenance knowledge for the support of a large fleet of compression assets, electrical systems, control systems and auxiliary support systems. Define technical and functional controls requirements in areas of application, including a principal role in defining compression equipment protection, alarm, and control schemes to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation. Develop in-depth controls program architecture framework for applications. Align application solutions with control program standards. Participate in solutions lifecycle management including analysis and feedback to stakeholders. The position provides engineering, technical and operational situational leadership in new equipment commissioning, program development, program integration, engineering designs, system/facility troubleshooting of complex operational controls, programmable logic controllers and all types of equipment reliability and performance issues. (25%)

Provide leadership in remote troubleshooting and timely resolution of gas turbine/reciprocating compressor package equipment issues, all types of equipment control issues, control programming failures, failed starts, alarms, and shutdowns through advanced interpretation of engineering drawings/ schematics, trend data, log file reports, piping and instrument diagrams (P&IDs), and controls system program logic. Provide leadership to engineering, operations, vendors, contractor, and technical personnel as necessary to ensure safe and reliable startup of newly installed equipment, and integrity/reliability of existing facilities and control system programming. (15%)

Must provide expert level engineering and program logic troubleshooting skills with knowledge in applicable programming languages, programmable logic controllers, natural gas engines, gas turbines, compression auxiliary equipment and programs. (10%)

Possess the ability to evaluate and ascertain interactions between equipment routine operations equipment/program malfunctions and program code changes in control logic sequences, setpoints, timers, etc. to maintain equipment availability and remedy equipment malfunctions, and address control logic issues without compromising safety or equipment integrity or reliability. (15%)

Manage and lead during situational issues with resources from various parts of the company to ensure cybersecurity, robust/reliable programming, optimum equipment reliability, availability, and performance. This includes but is not limited to tracking program and physical equipment issues, capital projects/upgrades, and engineering design and equipment program standardization. Provide oversight and guidance to optimize preventative/predictive efforts, and performance monitoring programs. (10%)

Reviews process and equipment design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards and contract requirements and specifications. Analyze data and write technical report and recommendations. Prepare compression control system functional design documents. (10%)

Supervise and maintain accurate records associated with programs, engineering design recommendations and operational issues. This includes but is not limited to asset information, operational data, records/reports, drawings/schematics, wiring diagrams, technical bulletins, etc. (5%)

Researches, evaluates, and/or identifies new and alternative technologies to promote safe, reliable, and efficient pipeline operations. Performs the research and fact-finding to define new control strategies and optimize compressor operation. (5%)

Perform any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (5%)

Qualifications

Engineering degree from an accredited college/university.

Minimum of 8 years industry experience. Professional Engineer license is preferred.
If no PE license, must have 10 years as a practicing engineer.

Applicable operations and maintenance experience with pipeline equipment control programs, gas compressor packages, and auxiliary equipment with advanced competencies in computer programming, mechanical, controls, and instrument disciplines.

Advanced knowledge of gas turbine and reciprocating package compressor fundamentals, operations, maintenance, control schemes, protective devices/systems, including all associated auxiliary equipment. Knowledgeable with compressor station operations, maintenance, and reciprocating compression equipment.

Advanced knowledge and experience with Solar Turbotronic, Rockwell RS Logix 5000, controls program architecture concepts, design principles and frameworks. Experience and advanced understanding of modern and legacy controls systems and associated software tools.

Advanced knowledge of programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), variable frequency drives (VFD), and communication techniques such as MODBUS, Device Net, ControlNet, ethernet, and serial links.

Leadership and supervision abilities to assure effective management of situational assembled resources, budget programs, and supervision/monitoring of engineering and control program functions.

Ability to use and interpret drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, controls logic, technical data, and similar documentation.

Must possess excellent analytical skills as necessary to systematically work through mechanical, controls, and instrument problems, identify root cause, and formulate recommendations for corrective actions.

Strong communication and relationship building skills, with ability to lead, promote collaboration, and develop rapport with internal and external resources towards a common objective in complex and high stress situations.

Ability to effectively prioritize workload, manage projects, and make independent decisions.

Working knowledge of applicable regulations (DOT, EPA, OSHA, etc.), engineering standards, program languages, computer code, policies and procedures.

Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) and ability to learn new applications.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Highly skilled analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Subject to high temperatures and loud noises in engine rooms and exposure to high and low temperatures, and icy/snowy weather conditions.

Support the Company s employee policies and procedures, including workplace safety rules.

This position requires approximately 25% travel within area of responsibility.

Position descriptions are developed as guides for the employees of Northern Natural Gas. The management team of Northern Natural Gas reserves the right to modify job responsibilities and position requirements to meet the corporate business goals and needs.

Northern Natural Gas